Ruby's breath hitched. His words struck a place inside her she didn't know was exposed. He wasn't wrong—he was falling in love. But not with Ivy.
With her. He just said it.
She swallowed hard, fighting the wave of guilt and longing that rolled through her chest.
"So tell me," Stefan said softly, turning toward her, "if this version of you is who I've been waiting for all along… would she ever be able to remain this way? Even after I get my sight back."
Ruby couldn't breathe.
Stefan's words lingered between them like smoke—thick, inescapable, and far too dangerous to inhale. Her lips parted, but no sound came out.
What could she say? That he was right? That the person he was falling for wasn't Ivy at all—but her? Or that she wouldn't leave when she would? Could she promise him now and stay?
Her heart thudded wildly in her chest, like it was trying to push the words out on its own.
Just as she opened her mouth to respond—a sharp knock broke through the tension.
